The Salad Days

We open today. As I tuck my Hawaiian shirt in for the first time in over 6 weeks, I am excited. Yes, it is my day off...yes, I have worked a lot in the last couple of weeks...yes, I know not what today will hold. But to see the finished product is a thing of satisfaction. All we need now is the presence of Johnny Pineapple to finish the job. Opening a store has given me so much to think about and learn about my job. And it has been a real change of pace. Now that we will be open, I feel like I am saying good bye to friends at summer camp. I know I will see all of my coworkers day in and out, but not as much. It's been fun, but we did this all for this day.

It's easy to lose focus on what is really happening. This store is for the customers, not for us. Today, all my merchendising will be thrashed, signs will begin to disappear, and the real challenge begins. But I am reminded of the words of Christ..."The Sabbath was created for man, not man for the Sabbath..." Sometimes we miss the real reason for a thing's existence. I hope I don't do that.

I'm bracing myself for Johnny Pineapple.